The Westfield W-League 2018/19 season kicks off for Adelaide United against Melbourne Victory on Sunday, 28 October at AAMI Park.
Adelaide, led by Captain, Emma Checker, will head into the new campaign determined to improve from last season in the hope of qualifying for a maiden finals appearance.
There is reason to be confident as well, with a host of new faces joining the side and complementing the existing players in the squad.
New signings
Head Coach, Ivan Karlović, was busy over the off-season recruiting four imports, boasting excellent pedigrees, two of the state’s best local talents as well as signing the competition’s all–time top scorer and Matilda international.
United States duo, Amber Brooks and Veronica Latsko join from National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) outfit Houston Dash. Brooks, 27, is a commanding centre-back, capable of playing in midfield and has been capped once by her country. Meanwhile, Latsko is a 22-year-old forward that can also operate as a striker and is known for her excellent dribbling ability.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5826227234001
Furthermore, Icelandic pair, Fanndís Fridriksdóttir and Gunnhildur Jónsdóttir, are also on board and have over 150 international caps between them. Fridriksdóttir is a left winger and has been a prolific goal-scorer particularly in her native homeland and Norway. Jónsdóttir is a combative midfielder, who most recently plied her trade with NWSL side Utah Royals and is adept in breaking up play and protecting the back four.
In Michelle Heyman, the Reds have a proven goal-scorer, finding the back-of-the-net with regularity for the national team and previously with Canberra United in the Westfield W-League. Kahlia Hogg arrives with ample top-flight experience and reinforces the midfield.
Dylan Holmes and Charlotte Grant, both standouts this year in the local Women’s National Premier League with Adelaide City and the National Training Centre (NTC) respectively, have also signed and further strengthen the team’s depth and Karlović’s options. Meleri Mullan, also from the NTC, and goalkeeper Sian McLaren agreed to deals for the season too.
Standout fixtures
The Reds’ first home match will not be until Round 4 but it will be worth the wait with the clash taking place at Coopers Stadium on Thursday, 22 November. More Thursday night action, this time at Marden Sports Complex, pits Adelaide against Sam Kerr’s Perth Glory on 6 December. United welcome Victory to Marden in a Friday night blockbuster on 21 December. While in Round 12 and 13, the Reds will play double headers with the Club’s Youth Team at Marden, and sees them face Western Sydney Wanderers and Newcastle Jets.
AUFC Women open the season at AAMI Park against Melbourne Victory on Sunday, 28 October. Kick-off is 3:45pm ACDT and broadcast via live stream through the My Football Live App.
